The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) leads a nationwide law enforcement initiative wherein the FBI partners with state and local police departments to form a joint venture – Safe Streets Task Force. The FBI supports over 150 like task forces within the United States. Locally, the FBI Chicago Field Office, North Resident Agency (a satellite office operated in an adjoining suburb) oversees the North Suburban Safe Streets Task Force. Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF) expands cooperation and communication among federal, state and local law enforcement personnel thereby increasing productivity and avoiding duplication of investigative efforts as well as supplementing reduced resources. This concept bolsters the effectiveness and productivity of limited personnel in matters of concurrent jurisdiction. Police officers participating in a SSTF assignment are deputized as task force officers (TFO) which grants authority to investigate crimes under federal jurisdiction while maintaining their police authority to arrest and charge an individual under Illinois laws. Together, under the FBI’s leadership, FBI agents and TFOs pursue violent and menacing individuals suspected of crimes such as, but not limited to, midlevel drug dealers, kidnapping, bank robberies, human trafficking, sex offenders/child pornography, and continuing criminal enterprises that have direct impact on the Arlington Heights community or a nexus to our suburban region. Task Force efforts will not involve enforcement of immigration or related federal law.
The FBI provides reimbursement for overtime, a vehicle (and associated operating expenses), communications and the necessary indemnification while engaged in a task force assignment. In addition, any legitimate seizure of cash and/or tangible property as determined through a legal process to be proceeds of an illegal criminal enterprise are subsequently awarded via a court order to participating local jurisdictions for use in ongoing law enforcement efforts.
The Police Department’s current agreement with a local narcotics task force expires in April. If approved, the allocated staffing resource (one full-time detective) will be redirected to the new agreement.
Recommendation
The Police Department recommends the Village Board approve a Resolution and authorize the Chief of Police, under the Village Manager’s authority, to enter into an agreement as outlined in the attached and referenced Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to participate in a mutually beneficial partnership - Safe Streets Task Force.